Gary Blaine Reid 1935 - 2022

His friends called him "apple checks" because he was hardly ever without a huge grin on his face. He could walk into a room full of strangers, and before long, counted them all as friends. His stockpile of offbeat witticisms and hysterical stories was legendary, as was his kindness and willingness to help anyone, no matter their circumstances. He lived his entire life fully and joyfully, but on the day after Christmas, Gary Blaine Reid lost his brief battle with cancer and passed away at home with his family in San Marcos, CA. Born on August 2, 1935, to John and Wilma Reid in Cameron, WV, Gary lived most of his life in the Auburn area, attending local schools. He began a lifelong career in the construction industry. Trained as a grade-setter, one of his biggest jobs was with Granite Construction Company, carving out Interstate 80 over Donner Summit in the early 1960's. As part of the construction crew, he also helped fight the huge 1960 Dodge Ridge fire that started on the summit. With his Building Contractors License, he went on to work both construction engineering and residential construction and remodeling throughout Northern California. In 1997, Gary was hired to repair a mudslide at the home of Janet Kelly-Gattuccio in Meadow Vista. Gary always teased that he found his love in the mud. Gary and Janet had 21 years of marriage filled with many adventures including fishing and camping with family, spending endless days on their houseboat on Rollins Lake, flying, as well as a fabulous vacation in Europe with grandson Trevor. Gary and Janet moved from the Auburn area to San Marcos, CA. in June 2021. Gary loved every moment of his new coastal life, especially watching the sunsets at his favorite beach. Gary is survived by his loving wife Janet, daughter Marilee Dickens, son Rick Reid, stepson Jason Massey and stepdaughter Kelly Gattuccio-Hurd. He is survived by grandchildren Trevor Pedro, Jessica Zacha, Sarah Reid, Sam, Ian and Alexis Massey, Harper Hurd, and great grandchildren Tate and Abby Pedro, Anthony, Michael, Kingston, and Trea Zacha. He was predeceased by his beloved mother Wilma, brother Jay, daughters Shannon and Rhonda and son Sheldon. A celebration of Gary's life will be held this spring in Auburn. Memorial donations in his name may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church of Auburn or a charity of the donor's choice. Memories of Gary will live forever in our hearts.